Arsenal injury update: Bukayo Saka, Ben White, Kai Havertz latest news and return dates
Arsenal resume their quest for the Premier League title when they take on Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Last weekend’s 4-1 win over Tottenham restored a five-point lead over Manchester City, but the Gunners had another injury scare in the north London derby.
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Bukayo Saka had to be replaced in the second half as Arsenal responded to their setback against Wolves and put Spurs to the sword.
The big games keep coming for Mikel Arteta’s side, who also have the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City on the horizon.
With that in mind, here’s the latest on Arsenal’s injury news and potential return dates…
Bukayo Saka
Saka sparked concerns when he went down after Xavi Simons fell awkwardly on his ankle late in the win over Spurs.
He looked really unwell and immediately waved to the Arsenal bench.
Saka was substituted in the second half against Tottenham (Getty Images)
After a long treatment on the field, Saka was replaced and replaced by Noni Madueke.
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But Saka was able to leave the pitch unassisted and appeared to be able to move freely during post-match celebrations at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, raising hopes he was not suffering a serious injury.
Arteta did not address Saka’s fitness during his press conference after the Spurs game.
Arsenal will be hoping Saka is fit to face Chelsea, as they continue to battle on four fronts.
Arteta will provide an update on his condition and availability during his pre-match press conference on Friday.
Potential return date: Sunday March 1 vs Chelsea (h)
Ben White
Ben White missed the Spurs game after picking up an injury in training.
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Arteta confirmed the defender suffered “a little problem” which forced him to be sidelined.
Ben White was ruled out of the match against Spurs (Getty Images)
“It was Ben, he had a little problem yesterday and he couldn’t take part in the match,” said the Arsenal manager.
Arteta gave no details on the severity of the injury or the timetable for his return, but Arsenal are hoping he will be fit to make a return against Chelsea.
Potential return date: Sunday March 1 vs Chelsea (h)
Kai Havertz
Kai Havertz has now missed four games with an injury he suffered in the 3-0 win over Sunderland on February 7.
Arsenal had hoped he would be fit to return against Spurs, but the game came too soon.
Kai Havertz was unable to return in time to face Tottenham (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
“We tried with Kai, unfortunately it was too early,” said Arteta, who hopes Havertz will be back against former club Chelsea.
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Potential return date: Sunday March 1 vs Chelsea (h)
Mikel Merinos
Mikel Merino is fighting to play again this season after undergoing surgery on a foot injury.
Merino suffered a stress fracture during the 3-2 defeat against Manchester United on January 25 and was ruled out for a long period.
Mikel Merino had surgery at the beginning of February (Instagram/Mikel Merino)
Speaking on February 11, Arteta confirmed the operation had gone well and said: “The deadlines, we’re talking months – whether it’s three, four or five, we don’t know.”
If he fails to return to fitness for Arsenal before the end of the season, Merino will desperately need to return in time for the World Cup with Spain.
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Potential return date: May/June
Max Dowman
Max Dowman is set to return after nearly three months out with an ankle injury.
Dowman suffered ankle ligament damage in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Manchester United in December but is back in training.
Potential return date: Sunday March 1 vs Chelsea (h)